The American Queen
A Novel Based on the True Story of Appalachia’s Kingdom of the Happy Land
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4.1 • 17 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
AS SEEN ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA: GMA 15 New Books to Read | 2024 American Fiction Award WINNER for African American Fiction AND Historical Fiction
"Miller brings to enthralling life a hidden gem in American history." --Publishers Weekly
There is only one known queen who truly ruled a kingdom on American soil. Meet the queen of Happy Land.
Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen is based on actual events that occurred between 1865 - 1889 and shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom in Appalachia as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.
Over the twenty-four years she was enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one thing: hate. Hate for the man who sold her mother. Hate for the overseer who left her daddy to hang from a noose. Hate so powerful there's no room in her heart for love, not even for the honorable Reverend William, whom she likes and respects enough to marry.
But when William finally listens to Louella's pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people off the plantation, Louella begins to replace her hate with hope. Hope that they will find a place where they can live free from fear. Hope that despite her many unanswered prayers, she can learn to trust for new miracles.
Soon, William and Louella become the appointed king and queen of their self-proclaimed Kingdom of the Happy Land. And though they are still surrounded by opposition, they continue to share a message of joy and goodness--and fight for the freedom and dignity of all.
The American Queen weaves together themes of love, hate, hope, trust, and resilience in the face of great turmoil. With every turn of the page, you will be transported to a pivotal period in American history, where oppressed people become extraordinary heroes.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Miller (The Light on Halsey Street) captivates with a propulsive historical based on the true story of a group of formerly enslaved people who founded a utopian society in the Appalachian mountains in the 1860s. Louella has been enslaved on the Montgomery plantation in Mississippi for "all her twenty-four years" when the end of the Civil War brings freedom and shattering tragedy all at once. Devastated and adrift after her father is lynched, Louella hesitantly agrees to marry the much-older Reverend William Montgomery, who wants to stay on the plantation and work for its owner—a plan that becomes intolerable when their pay dries up. Louella insists they leave the plantation and build the Kingdom of Happy Land she's envisioned in her dreams, a place "free from fear" for "her and for people who looked like her." The couple and other formerly enslaved people migrate to the border between South and North Carolina, where they purchase land. As Louella's heart begins to soften towards her husband, she distinguishes herself as a powerful influence over the community and the two become king and queen of Happy Land. Despite instances of somewhat wooden language ("Would the air of freedom be different, or would it be as stale and unrelenting as slavery air?"), readers will be won over by Louella's gumption, optimism, and tenacity. Miller brings to enthralling life a hidden gem in American history.
Customer Reviews
Classic!
This text should become an American classic! The protagonist is so relatable and her spirit is unmatched. I loved this book! The author finds the story beyond slavery and injustice.
African American version of “The Grapes of Wrath”
Absolutely thrilling story beautifully written by an author I have enjoyed for more than a decade! There is so much education regarding the lives of African Americans during the era immediately following their emancipation poured into the pages of Queen Louella’s story. I keep thinking as I travelled with them from Mississippi to SC, “This is the African American version of The Grapes of Wrath!” I literally could not put this book down! Great job once again Ms. Miller!
A legacy of freedom
If one is no longer a slave, then he or she should act like a free person. The things that happened in this book are painfully true. Louella can teach
me so much about trusting God if I let her. Well done!